German Chancellor Promises Expansion of NATO Troops in the Baltic Sea... "We Will Defend Every Inch"

Expansion of NATO Troop Presence in Lithuania
Consideration of Supplying Latest Tanks to Ukraine

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised to expand the stationed troops to strengthen the defense capabilities of the Baltic Sea neighboring countries, the eastern frontline region of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

According to AFP on the 7th (local time), Chancellor Scholz held a meeting in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, with Lithuanian President Gitanas Naus?da, Prime Minister Ingrida ?imonyt?, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and Latvian Prime Minister Kri?j?nis Kari??, focusing on strengthening defense capabilities. This is the first time Chancellor Scholz has visited the Baltic states since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

At a press conference after the meeting, Scholz emphasized, "If NATO territory is attacked, we will defend every inch together with our allies without leaving anything behind," and added, "We are fully prepared to form a solid combat brigade." It is known that the size of NATO troops stationed in Lithuania will be expanded to about 3,000, the size of a brigade, to enhance defense capabilities. The German Bundeswehr forces leading the stationed troops in the area are also expected to increase from the current level of around 1,000 to 1,500.

Since 2017, NATO troops stationed in Lithuania have been expanded from 1,200 to 1,600 due to the Ukraine crisis. Additional reinforcements will be made to respond to Russia's military provocations or invasions.

Regarding the report by Spain's largest daily newspaper El Pa?s that Spain intends to supply Germany's main battle tank, the Leopard 2 A4, to Ukraine, Scholz stated, "We have not yet received an approval request from Spain," and "If we do, we will review it." If this procedure receives final approval, it is expected to be the first supply of Western modern tanks to Ukraine.

Scholz stressed, "It is important to make it clear to President Putin that his strategy for invading Ukraine is not working," and added, "His strategy will not succeed."